Historic solidarity week in Barobo advances housing, grassroots empowerment
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A historic milestone had unfolded in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, at the first-ever Mindanao-wide Urban-Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) 2025, bringing together urban poor groups from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and Caraga.
Led by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Chairperson, Usec. Michelle Anne B. Gonzales, the event marked a major step toward strengthening grassroots empowerment and advancing housing opportunities for underserved communities.
“This is our way of showing urban poor communities that they matter. The government has not forgotten them, and PCUP will continue to support their aspirations every step of the way,” Usec. Gonzales said.
As the government’s primary agency for urban poor empowerment, PCUP ensures that marginalized communities are active partners in nation-building by promoting their rights and giving them access to housing, livelihood, social services, and community-driven development programs.
One of the event’s highlights was the recognition of the Bongtud, Bag-ong Lungsod, Mabua-Rosario, and Telaje (DBBMT) Association Federation Inc., honored for its grassroots efforts in organizing a homeowners’ association and advocating for affordable housing.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Surigao del Sur Government Information Center, awardee Rogelio Plaza, a DBBMT member, shared the federation’s journey. Formed in 2018, the group was referred by PCUP to the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for technical support. With PCUP’s continued guidance, DBBMT was later endorsed to the PAG-IBIG Fund to qualify for low-cost housing programs, a process now well underway.
“Dako among pasalamat sa PCUP kay sila ang naghatag namo ug dalan aron matinuod among damgo (We are deeply grateful to PCUP for opening the path toward making our dreams a reality),” Plaza shared.
The DBBMT was also awarded the ‘Natatanging Lingkod Maralita for Best People’s Organization.’ PCUP likewise granted accreditation certificates of one of its frontline services to the following organizations:
– Sudlon Women’s Association;
– Guinhalinan Women’s Association;
– Maapod Fisherfolks Association;
– Unidad Shell Culture Association;Sudlon Corn Farmers’ Association;
– United Drivers’ Association of Agusan del Sur; and
– Agapay sa Maralitang Manggagawa Homeowners Association.
Participants received food packs before heading home, leaving the gathering with smiles, strengthened solidarity, and renewed hope for a better future.
Aligned with the national agenda and the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the event underscored the government’s commitment to providing inclusive housing, livelihood support, and essential social services.
The Solidarity Week further affirmed PCUP’s crucial role in empowering grassroots communities and building a Bagong Pilipinas where no Filipino is left behind. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
